Fun hobbies for a woman over 50
(that actually feel exciting!)

Hey - before you let another gray January afternoon slide by, don’t sit at home feeling bored or alone. Especially at the start of a New Year, when we’re stuck inside with dreary weather, it’s the perfect time to discover some amazingly fun hobbies for a woman over 50.

If you’ve suddenly got more time on your hands - empty nest, work easing up, or life simply shifting - you’re in good company. And if the word “hobby” still makes you picture something slightly… BEIGE… I totally get it!

Let’s call it what it really is: choosing how YOU want to spend your time in any way YOU like rather than that which life forces on YOU.

Even if that means trying something silly, cozy, wild, or wonderfully ordinary - all from your living room in slippers if that’s what feels right.

This stage of life can be wonderfully freeing, you don’t have to prove anything or be brilliant at something. You just get to try things, keep what lights you up and happily move on from what doesn’t. Trust me - the best discoveries often happen when you’re simply feeding your curiosity!

Why bother with a new 'Pastime' at all?

Because it changes how you feel day-to-day. A good hobby - or interest, or project, or little adventure can: 

• Give you something to look forward to each week

• Boost confidence (yes, even when you’re a beginner)

• Keep your mind sharp and your mood lighter

• Reduce stress by breaking up routine

• Help with loneliness by naturally bringing you into contact with others

• Make you feel more like YOU - not just 'mum' 'carer' 'wife' 'employee' 'retiree'

And quietly, it does something else too: it gives you fresh stories, fresh energy, and fresh conversation. That’s not a small thing.

A simple way to choose without overthinking!

If you’re not sure where to start, here’s an easy filter. Pick one option from each line:

1) Do you want to be…

• Creative (make something)

• Active (move your body)

• Curious (learn something)

• Social (meet people)

• Helpful (give back)

2) Do you prefer…

• Indoors or outdoors?

• Solo or with others?

• A gentle potter… or a proper challenge?

Now choose one thing to 'test drive' for a month, not forever, just a month. You’re not marrying it!

If it’s not for you, you haven’t failed - you’ve simply gathered useful information. Try something else!

Brilliant ideas that work for stylish active women 50+

Although I once met a 100 year old lady celebrating on the top of a glacier and I have a friend who sky-dived on her 75th birthday; these are not for everyone! 

Here are options that tend to fit real life: busy weeks, family commitments, changing fitness levels, and the desire to feel a bit adventurous (but not foolhardy).

1) Creative hobbies (with a satisfying result)

• Painting, sketching or watercolours (classes are surprisingly relaxing)

• Jewellery making, candle making, simple craft workshop

• Sewing, knitting, visible mending (very modern)

• Scrapbooking or memory projects (perfect if you’ve got family photos everywhere)

• Photography - even actually learning how to use your phone camera properly

• Cooking or baking - so much to choose from

Tip: Look for one-off workshops locally. They’re less commitment, and you’ll meet people easily.

2) Music, voice and performance (confidence boosters)

• Join a choir (you don't need a perfect voice - in the UK there's Rock Choir!)

• Learn an instrument (piano, ukulele, guitar - adult beginners are everywhere)

• Amateur dramatics - acting if you fancy it or backstage/costumes/admin

There’s something very life-giving about using your voice, whether it’s singing, performing, or simply being part of a lively group.

3) Active hobbies that don’t feel like 'exercise'

If gyms make you groan, you’re in good company. The trick is to choose movement that feels like fun:

• Walking groups or gentle rambling

• Cycling (many places now have friendly 'drop-in' social rides)

• Dance classes - line dancing, zumba, ballroom, salsa, flamenco, belly dancing (confidence and posture in one go)

• Yoga, Pilates or stretch classes often age appropriate (great for strength and balance)

Bonus: these are brilliant for meeting people, because you can chat before and after without it feeling forced.

4) Brainy hobbies that make you feel switched on

• Book club (or start one - libraries are perfect for this)

• Board games, bridge, mah jong, chess clubs

• Online courses (many free): history, psychology, fashion, languages

• Writing - journaling, short stories, even 'the book you’ve always had in you'

A little learning goes a long way. It can completely change how you see the world (and how you see yourself).

5) Volunteering (the 'secret weapon' hobby)

Volunteering is one of the fastest ways to feel connected and useful - without it taking over your life.

• Help at a library, community café, food bank or charity shop

• Reading support at primary schools

• Support roles for riding for the disabled (even office/tea duties count!)

• Visiting schemes for older people living alone

Choose something that fits your personality. You’re allowed to be helpful and have boundaries. If you don’t love it, you’re allowed to move on

This is the part many women forget. You can try a class, go twice, decide it’s not you - and stop. No guilt.

Sometimes it leads to the right one!

Sometimes a 'not for me' hobby leads you to the right one because you meet someone, hear an idea, or realise what you actually enjoy. That’s progress, not wasted time.

Have a little adventure (without going overboard); you don't need to jump out of a plane to feel brave. Adventure can be:

• Taking yourself to a matinee alone

• Booking a day course in a subject you know nothing about

• Going on a day/weekend trip with a group (walking, culture, theatre)

• Saying yes to one invitation a month

• Learning one new skill each season

Your next chapter doesn’t have to be dramatic - it just has to be yours.

Start small; pick one thing; put it in the diary!

Start small. Pick one thing. Put it in the diary. Treat it like an appointment with yourself. Because you’re not 'too old' and you're not 'too late', you’re simply at the point where you finally get to choose what’s next - and that's genuinely exciting!

One last but important nudge from me.

I encouraged, and fully invested in, my children’s needs and interests when they were growing, usually ignoring my own. 

I always longed to play the piano and, eventually, 3 years ago, I discovered an opportunity. It has brought me tremendous joy as well as several close friends with the same interest, and a new online 'family'! 

What would you love to try if you knew you couldn’t get it wrong?